The Monash University Low FODMAP Diet App

Have you heard about the new Monash University Low FODMA Diet App? If not, I urge you to check it out. Now that Christmas is over and the New Year has begun, I have had a bit of time to explore and thought you might like to have a preview.

I have often mentioned the Monash University booklet, The Low FODMAP Diet. It is an invaluable resource for anyone eating low FODMAP. It is also reliable; after all, Monash is where the low FODMAP diet was developed. If you’re the sort of person who likes a real book in their hands, you can get yourself a copy of the The low FODMAP diet here. I have also written a review of the booklet here (the current edition has updated food lists since I wrote about it).

If you like to have your low FODMAP resource on hand, then this App is for you. It is divided into five sections. The first is “About” and is essentially the same as The Low FODMAP Diet booklet, including the new information for vegetarians.

Next up is the Food Guide. It covers 8 food categories, each with a list of specific foods that have been give a “traffic light” rating according to its FODMAP content. One of the features of this traffic light system is that you can set your own personal sensitivity for particular foods, for example, if you don’t have a problem with lactose you can adjust the filtering accordingly.

The third section contains recipes and meals suggestions. Some of these are very simple, such as adding some oats to cornflakes for breakfast to increase the fibre, and others are delicious looking dishes to enjoy as a main meal or sweet treat. Each has a photo and many have some extra hints.

There is a shopping list section which you can add to from the Food Guide or Recipes. The final section of the App is the 1 week FODMAP Challenge. The challenge is designed to help you record your dietary intake and monitor your symptoms. Each day you complete a journal of your symptoms which are then graphed at the end of the week. You can then share these results with your health professional or even with Monash University via social media.

At the moment this App is only available for iPhone or iPad, but the android version is on its way. The App will be updated every 12 months and profits will fund further research in the Department of Gastroenterology at Monash University. To hear more about the App straight from the Monash researchers, take a look at this video:

If you’re now keen to get the Monash University Low FODMAP Diet App for yourself, head over to the App Store.

18 Comments

Kirsty - January 11, 2013

Sounds great, exactly what I need!

But is is only on iPhone? Not everyone has one of those, I for one use a Windows phone.

Any news on this app being developed for the other platforms out there?

Hi Natalie, The FODMAP application sounds like it will make things considerably easier. However, I don’t have one of those “smart” phones because…I’m not smart….just kidding. lol I don’t have one because they it doesn’t fit into my budget. I’ve been relying on the great Low Fodmap Diet booklet you mentioned which I purchased from a dietician in the US (Boston, MA area) whose been to Monash Univ. My edition is copywrited June 2011. Is this the latest version available? I want to make sure I have the available updates.
For new Low Fodmapers, I was completely confused without having up to date “reliable” information when I was first diagnosed with Fructose Malabsorption. I agree with you Nat that this resource booklet is a must have for everyone who must be on the Low FODMAP Diet. Your blog has also been another great resource for me…and inspiring to boot! Many thanks Natalie and continued success with your informational and delightful blog.

Hi Karen,
There is un updated edition (3rd) of The Low FODMAP Diet booklet that was published June 2012. If you’re not sure if you have the latest, compare the cover of yours with the cover of mine that’s in the photo above
Thanks for the lovely comment, Nat

Thanks for the heads up! I look forward to the Android App being released. After the silly season I’m feeling the effects of not being disciplined so I’ve got my Sue Shepherd book back (which i loaned to a friend) and am knuckling down again. Have a great 2013 Natalie, I look forward to your posts and recipes.

Thanks Natalie, I too can’t wait for the android verson. I have only been on the strict low FODMAP diet for 2 weeks and have another 4 to go and struggling with it, especially knowing what to eat whilst out with family or friends. Thank you for your book too, it arrived in the mail the other day.

Oohh, hanging out for the android version, this will make trips to the supermarket a little easier, over a year in and still working out my can and cannots, and trying to remember them. Every new tool is a blessing.

Looks like a great app, but will be interested to see how it goes at the current price point ($10.49). People are very used to paying single dollar amounts for apps these days, so will expect something spectacular at that price. Even the fact that it is over $10 might be a psychological barrier to entry, even though that matches the price of the book and is so rich with well researched data.

Not sure if this is exactly the right place to post these questions – but here goes:
Is there a “rule of thumb” about how often you can have a serving of foods that are tolerated in small amounts, but could trigger a response in larger amounts? I’m thinking of particular fruits that the serving size is small, etc. I wasn’t sure if 2 hours between was enough, or if it was more like 4-5 hours.

Also, the app mentions common bananas vs. sugar bananas. I’m from the US, so I wasn’t sure on the difference?

Hi Lena,
If you consume foods in the recommended serving size, then a couple of hours is likely to be enough time. As everyone’s tolerance is different, you are the best judge of whether you need more time, smaller or less frequent serves etc.
Sugar bananas are also known as Lady Finger bananas and are generally shorter than regular bananas.
Cheers, Nat

Wonderful to read all these comments. Wentto a dietitian last year who has given me the 2011 edition…is 2012 much different?? After 8 mths. still struggling with what to eat, how much etc etc. just so frustrating…

First, thank you for your work. As I don’t know how to contact the people updating the app, I hope you can pass these questions along, or answer them if you can! Thank you in advance:) I hope that in the future the app will include whether capers are allowable. Also, what is it in chai tea that gives it a red light — Is it the assumption that honey is used? If honey is not the sweetener is chai tea ok? What about spices used in Indian cooking such as cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, and so on? Are tomato sauces ok if they do not have HFCS and other additives? Why are Brussels sprouts listed with a green light if the allowable serving size is one sprout? Why is tahini paste given a red light whereas sesame seeds are allowable? What are your views on tablets or drops of lactase enzymes for lactose intolerance? Finally, is this the best place for questions about the app, or can you share another blog or contact information for future questions? Thanks again! Gail